Trent-Loyalist Journalism Program Approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges, and Universities

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trent University and Loyalist College to offer joint Journalism program starting September 2012

Peterborough and Belleville, Ontario, June 15, 2012

Trent University and Loyalist College are pleased to announce that their Trent-Loyalist Journalism degree program has received approval from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU).

Starting in September, students in the new program will have an opportunity to earn a joint-major Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Journalism and another discipline of their choice from Trent University. They will also earn an Ontario College Advanced Diploma in Journalism, Online, Print and Broadcast, from Loyalist College. Depending on the discipline, the program can be completed in four or five years of full-time study.

“The common goals of Trent University and Loyalist College to prepare students for brighter futures and to contribute to their communities make this an ideal partnership,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor at Trent University. “As a transfer-friendly University, Trent remains committed to academic excellence and to an enriched learning environment that encourages exploration between fields of study and critical engagement with the world.”

“We are proud to have Trent University as a partner in creating this powerful combination of post-secondary education for future journalists,” said Loyalist College president Maureen Piercy. “Together, we are preparing students to take advantage of tomorrow’s job opportunities available to them in new media industries. Paving these pathways will help students seamlessly and successfully gain the best of both the university and college learning experience.  Loyalist is delighted to share our expertise and experience in producing world-calibre journalists with an exceptional partner such as Trent University.”

Story telling is at the heart of the new fully-integrated Trent-Loyalist Journalism program that prepares graduates to be informed, critically-aware, and technically skilled journalists.  The program is unique in enabling students to pursue their academic study in any of Trent’s arts and science disciplines, where they will develop a foundation in research, critical analysis and writing in their discipline of choice. 

Loyalist College hones students’ journalism skills in a state-of-the-art integrated newsroom where audio, video, print, traditional broadcast and online professionals work side-by-side. It will be an opportunity for them to create a comprehensive portfolio, which documents their knowledge and skills for journalism job opportunities. A capstone project, which students express in both academic and journalistic form and an eight-week internship, will further facilitate career development.

Graduates will be prepared for employment in radio, television, newspaper, magazine and online newsrooms. They are qualified to write, report, photograph, edit, freelance, host programs and produce web and video content. The skills developed in this program can also lead to careers in public and media relations, and educational, training or industrial video production.

One of Canada’s top universities, Trent University is renowned for encouraging the dynamic interplay of research, teaching and learning, which enhance and energize each other in the classroom and beyond. The University is consistently recognized nationally for faculty who maintain a high level of innovative research activity and a commitment to the individual student. Trent distinguishes itself through excellence in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences as well as professional and graduate programs. Trent is dedicated to preparing students to make significant contributions to an increasingly complex world by providing them with a distinctive liberal arts, science or professionally- focussed education, which is enhanced by global perspectives, experiential learning and interdisciplinary approaches to personal and professional development. Trent’s Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto. Together with Trent University Oshawa Thornton Road Campus, Trent draws excellent students from throughout the country and around the world.

Loyalist College prepares students for a rewarding career by combining rigorous academic standards with hands-on training from industry experts. Programs range from apprenticeships and certificates to diplomas and post-graduate studies. Loyalist offers more than 60 full-time programs and 77 university transfer agreements around the world. One of the best testaments to the College’s value is from graduates who find jobs, as evidenced in the annual College Key Performance Indicator for Graduate Employment, which is consistently above the provincial average. Loyalist is committed to helping students find great jobs, as well as supporting and enhancing the economic and social development of all individuals in its communities.

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Trent University Contact: Karen Maki, (705) 748-1011, ext. 7133, karenmaki@trentu.ca

Loyalist College Contact: Kerry Lorimer, (613) 969-1913, ext. 2536, klorimer@loyalistc.on.ca